SETCO - Setco Automotive
Financial Performance
Revenue Growth by Segment
Consolidated revenue from operations grew 12.2% YoY to INR 718.6 Cr in FY25, up from INR 640.7 Cr. The Aftermarket segment was a primary driver, growing 31% YoY and contributing 15.6% of total revenue. Standalone revenue was minimal at INR 2.73 Cr following the transfer of the clutch business to its subsidiary.
Geographic Revenue Split
International operations are key drivers: North American (SANAI) sales grew 6% YoY with 12% EBITDA margins. European (SAUL) sales grew 2% YoY, though EBITDA remained negative. The company also operates in the Middle East via Setco MEA DMCC.
Profitability Margins
The company reported a consolidated Net Loss of INR 126.33 Cr in FY25, a slight improvement of 4.95% from a loss of INR 132.58 Cr in FY24. Profitability is severely impacted by high finance costs of INR 217.41 Cr, which increased 21% YoY, exceeding the operating profit.
EBITDA Margin
Consolidated EBITDA grew 50.7% YoY to INR 109.2 Cr in FY25, up from INR 72.5 Cr. The EBITDA margin improved to approximately 15.2% from 11.3% in the previous year, driven by higher-margin aftermarket sales and export growth.
Capital Expenditure
Not explicitly disclosed in absolute INR Cr for the current period, but the company is investing in 'State-of-the-Art' manufacturing and R&D capabilities in the UK and India to support new product ranges.
Credit Rating & Borrowing
The company was assigned an [ICRA]D rating in June 2021 due to irregularities in servicing bank debt. While the rating was withdrawn in December 2021 after debt was transferred to the SASPL subsidiary, liquidity remains stretched with consolidated finance costs at INR 217.41 Cr.
Operational Drivers
Raw Materials
Specific raw materials include iron castings (sourced from subsidiary Lava Cast), steel, and friction materials for clutch manufacturing. Castings represent a significant portion of the input for the clutch and flywheel lines.
Import Sources
Sourced domestically in India (via Lava Cast Pvt Ltd) and internationally to support manufacturing hubs in the UK and North America.
Key Suppliers
Lava Cast Private Limited (subsidiary) is a primary supplier of castings. Other third-party vendors for steel and friction components are utilized but not named.
Capacity Expansion
Current capacity is not stated in units, but the company is expanding its 'Setco Allied Products' line to include flywheels, bearings, brakes, and lubricants to utilize existing distribution channels.
Raw Material Costs
Not disclosed as a specific percentage of revenue, but the company is implementing proactive cost-reduction steps in its European operations to offset negative EBITDA.
Manufacturing Efficiency
The company utilizes 'State-of-the-Art' facilities and an R&D hub in the UK (SAUL) to improve product life and performance, specifically for the LIPE brand.
Logistics & Distribution
The company uses a global distribution network with hubs in the UK, USA, and Dubai to serve the European, North American, and Middle Eastern markets.
Strategic Growth
Expected Growth Rate
7-9%
Growth Strategy
The company is transitioning to an aftermarket-focused enterprise to reduce OEM dependency. Strategy includes launching 'Setco Allied Products' (bearings, brakes, lubricants), expanding the LIPE brand in Europe, and developing a new range of clutches for the North American market to augment existing business.
Products & Services
Clutches for M&HCV and LCV, flywheels, bearings, brakes, lubricants, and oil.
Brand Portfolio
LIPE, Setco, Setco Allied Products.
New Products/Services
Launched 'Setco Allied Products' including flywheels, bearings, brakes, and lubricants to complement the core clutch portfolio.
Market Expansion
Targeting the North American market with a new range of clutches and the European market through new distributor setups under the SAUL subsidiary.
Strategic Alliances
Maintains six global subsidiaries including Setco Auto Systems Pvt Ltd (SASPL) and Lava Cast Pvt Ltd.
External Factors
Industry Trends
The industry is shifting toward organized spare parts and preventive maintenance. Vehicle parc expansion and the increasing average age of vehicles are driving a 31% growth in the company's aftermarket segment.
Competitive Landscape
Competes with global and domestic clutch manufacturers in the OEM and IAM segments.
Competitive Moat
Moat is built on 40+ years of excellence, the established 'LIPE' brand, and a dominant position in the Indian M&HCV clutch market. Sustainability is supported by a shift to the less cyclical aftermarket.
Macro Economic Sensitivity
Highly sensitive to infrastructure spending and GDP growth, which drive M&HCV demand. The Indian auto component industry's 7-9% growth forecast for FY26 is a key benchmark.
Consumer Behavior
Shift toward higher-quality, branded spare parts in the organized aftermarket to ensure vehicle uptime in the commercial sector.
Geopolitical Risks
Exposure to trade barriers and economic uncertainty in European and North American markets where subsidiaries operate.
Regulatory & Governance
Industry Regulations
Complies with the Companies Act 2013 and SEBI Listing Regulations. Operations are subject to automotive safety and manufacturing standards in India, the UK, and the USA.
Environmental Compliance
Not disclosed in absolute INR.
Taxation Policy Impact
Consolidated tax provision was a credit of INR 2.85 Cr in FY25 compared to a credit of INR 6.23 Cr in FY24.
Legal Contingencies
The company has extended the redemption date for NCDs worth INR 574.50 Cr multiple times, with the latest extension to December 1, 2025, following agreements with debenture holders and trustees.
Risk Analysis
Key Uncertainties
Liquidity risk is the primary uncertainty, evidenced by the [ICRA]D rating and the need to extend NCD redemptions. Potential impact is a 100% disruption of credit facilities if defaults occur.
Geographic Concentration Risk
While global, the majority of revenue (approx. 90% based on SASPL sales) is tied to the Indian market and its subsidiary SASPL.
Third Party Dependencies
Dependent on the recovery of the M&HCV industry and the performance of its material unlisted subsidiary, Setco Auto Systems Private Limited.
Technology Obsolescence Risk
Risk of shift toward electric commercial vehicles; mitigated by R&D focus on new product ranges and allied products.
Credit & Counterparty Risk
Stretched financial profile and irregularities in servicing bank debt obligations as noted by credit rating agencies.